Committee hears Advance’s request to scale 'myFuture' and debates agency roles

The Senate Education Committee heard testimony about a request from Advance seeking roughly $600,000 to expand its myFuture platform and staffing.

Tom Cheney, introduced to the committee for the record as representing Advance, said the organization’s annual budget typically runs about $350,000–$400,000 and that the additional request is driven by staffing needs — roughly four people to manage outreach, professional development, and partnerships with schools and employers. Cheney told the committee that federal allocations and philanthropic dollars helped develop the proof of concept and that the new request is to scale the work so the platform can be integrated into school practice.

Senators asked for historical funding context and committee members noted the organization previously received one-time and recurring state appropriations in varying amounts (examples cited: $150,000 in one year, $350,000 another). Cheney said federal funds provided roughly $300,000 over two years and that philanthropic support typically covers about a quarter of the annual budget.

Members debated where the work best fits inside state government. Some senators suggested splitting funding between the Agency of Education and the Department of Labor, while others recommended a single state contract with clear roles to avoid duplication. The committee acknowledged that high school counselors and existing career-counseling staff are doing similar work and that Advance’s staff would help scale and coordinate those efforts.

Committee members did not take a formal vote on the request during this session and asked staff for clarifying budget history and possible language for splitting or routing funds.